Distinguishing BAS risk for university students’ drinking, smoking, and gambling behaviors

Individual differences in Gray’s Behavioral Approach System (BAS) and Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) have been associated with young adults’ substance misuse and gambling. To clarify the distinct and common etiology of these behaviors, the current study examined the unique influence of BAS sub-components (Reward Responsiveness, Drive, Fun Seeking) and BIS on university students’ drinking, smoking, and gambling behaviors. Participants included 533 (361 females) undergraduate students who completed self reports of BIS/BAS (Carver & White, 1994) and retrospective reports of frequency and quantity/money spent of alcohol use, cigarette use, and gambling. Drinking, smoking, and gambling status were identified based on past month behavior. Logistic regressions revealed that Fun Seeking was associated with increased risk for being a drinker or smoker. BAS and BIS were not supported as unique predictors of gambling status. Linear regressions revealed that Fun Seeking was positively associated with drinking, and Drive and Fun Seeking were positively and negatively associated with gambling, respectively. Findings suggest that different components of BAS sensitivity contribute to drinking and smoking compared to gambling, such that the tendency to seek out new potentially rewarding experiences puts individuals at risk for drinking/smoking, while the tendency to pursue appetitive goals increases risk for gambling.